From: MHIC 

Subject: AP Carter

The U.S. election is going to dominate the news for the next several days, so it is possible that, lost in the noise, will be commemoration of the death Alvin Pleasant Carter, founder of the Carter Family, husband of Sara Carter, father of Janette and Joe Carter, brother of Ezra Carter, uncle of June Carter Cash.

His death went almost unnoticed in 1960 in the midst of THAT year's presidential election (another close one with two guys named Nixon and Kennedy). It was only after he died in his hometown of Maces Springs, Virginia that A.P. Carter received the recognition and credit that he was due as a pioneer in American music. He did not live to see his family's name become synonymous with a music form, or to be inducted (belatedly) into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970, but his influence lives on. "Wildwood Flower" was named one of the 100 most important songs of the 20th century.

I will take a moment on Tuesday to reflect on his legacy.

Mark

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